* * * *

But once out on the road Anstice moderated his pace somewhat, since to
run over an unwary pedestrian would only add to the general hopelessness
of the situation; and he reached Cherry Orchard without any such mishap
as his servants had prophesied for him.

Here he found things less satisfactory than he had hoped. Cherry was no
better; indeed, to his experienced eye, the child was worse, and
although Mrs. Carstairs showed no signs of fatigue, and was apparently
prepared to nurse her little daughter indefinitely, it was evident that
the woman Tochatti was worn out with pain, anxiety, and, possibly,
remorse.

Although she pulled herself together sufficiently to answer Anstice's
questions intelligibly, it was plain to see that she was in reality half
dazed by the shock she had experienced and by want of sleep, and Anstice
realized that if Cherry were to be properly nursed some other help must
be obtained at once.

"See here, Mrs. Carstairs." His face was grave as he examined the
child's condition. "I'm not going to beat about the bush--I'm going to
send you a nurse to help you with Cherry."

"A nurse? But--can't Tochatti and I----?"

"You're all right," he said shortly. "You look good for any amount of
nursing, though I can't imagine how you do it, seeing you had no sleep
last night. But Tochatti is no use at present." He judged it best to
speak frankly. "It is evident she is in pain with that hand of hers, and
she will be fit for nothing to-night, at any rate."

Chloe did not contest the point further.

"Very well, Dr. Anstice. You know best; and if you think it necessary,
will you find us someone at once?"

"Yes. I think I know just the person for you." He turned to Tochatti,
who was standing by, her face full of smouldering resentment. "I'm sure
you want me to do the best thing for Miss Cherry, don't you?"

She did not answer; and he repeated his question rather sharply.

This time she answered him.

"_Si, signor._" She spoke sulkily, and a flash of something like actual
hatred shot from her black eyes as he watched her; but he had no time to
spare for her vagaries, and turned back to Chloe Carstairs forthwith.

"Then I will try to find Nurse Trevor and bring her along. She will sit
up to-night, and then you can both get some rest." He spoke kindly,
including Tochatti in his smile; but the woman merely glowered, and he
felt a spasm of sudden annoyance at her ungracious behaviour.